Posts Tagged ‘Engagement Photos’

Normal engagement photos? Where we’re going, we don’t need normal engagement photos. After Alec popped the question with a “Halloween”-themed proposal in honor of Katherine’s favorite movie, it was decided that their engagement photos would honor his. The epic announcement beautifully recreates the poster for the original “Back to the Future.” Photographer Ricky Middlesworth nailed all of the details (and it doesn’t hurt that the groom-to-be bears a strong resemblance to Michael J. Fox circa 1985). All in all, it’s a great showcase on how couples can incorporate their interests into the wedding in fun and creative ways.

Last week, part one of our blogger debate took on the hot button issue of whether or not to include children at weddings. This week, competitors Anne and Ian banter about the usefulness of engagement photos. Check out their opinions and then leave a comment with your take.

Photo credit: Casey Fatchett Photography

Round 2 – Engagement photos: should we or shouldn’t we?

Ian says: First you should understand why Engagement Photos even exist. The evil, powerful Photography Lobby in Washington DC got legislation passed in the mid-90s allowing a second set of pictures to be taken of a married couple, prior to the event, bumping the average photo package from $800 to roughly $800,000. It’s rough, but I absolutely think you should do it.

You have roughly 900 sf in your condo. If you have less than 200 pictures of the two of you as a couple on the walls, people are going to think you don’t love each other. In fact–they’re going to know you don’t love each other and likely hate each other. You absolutely need that picture where you’re sitting on a rustic bench, gazing at each other, one serious and one smiling. (My God…you’re so artistic. How did you come up with that idea?)

Anne says: I think engagement photos are a fun way to get to know your wedding photographer and get more comfortable in front of a camera. Besides, when in your life are you ever going to star in your own photo shoot!

I remember when engagement photos were a free add-on that photog’s used to thrown into the wedding package, but since couples are now “competing” for spots on popular blogs and turning what used to be two people in a studio to a blown out shoot with costume changes, props and multiple backdrops it makes sense why a photographer would charge his day rate.

And as for the use of these photos, frame a few, put one on your save the date and even your next Christmas card. You’re engaged and in love…enjoy (and even exploit) every moment of it!

Be sure to leave a comment below letting us know where you stand in this debate.

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Anne Chertoff has worked at Modern Bride, Martha Stewart Weddings, iVillage Weddings, Brides.com and was the Editor in Chief of aisledash.com and AOL’s Royal Wedding web site. She currently writes wedding planning and style columns for several wedding sites including EquallyWed and WeddingWire.Follow Anne on Twitter.

Ian is the author of “A Groom’s Diary”, his journal chronicling the hilarity of the wedding-planning process…from the groom’s point of view. Follow him on Twitter or Facebook.

Your marriage proposal story is one that you and your future wife will tell for years to come. But to truly capture the occasion, why not have a professional photograph or film it, so you’ll never forget a single detail and can also share it with family and friends? Headed by veteran photographer — and former paparazzo — James Ambler, New York City-based Pap The Question helps grooms really wow their future fiancées and take their proposals a step further by preserving the special moment forever.

Today, we’ve asked James to tell us a bit more about his company and its services for grooms who are ready to “pap” the question.

What types of services do you offer for capturing groom’s proposals?

We offer three packages — all of which can be tailored to individual needs — that include 1.5 hours of photography. With the Paparazzi Proposal package ($450), we talk with the client beforehand to discuss the location and details, take some candid shots of the couple walking along prior to the proposal, and then capture the moment he drops to one knee, asks the question and her reaction. We then upload the pictures to our site, so that the couple can view them and share them on Facebook with friends and family. We also send the client a CD of the pictures. Our second package ($600) is the same as the Paparazzi Proposal package, with the addition of video footage of the proposal. Our third, elite package ($750) includes photos and video, as well as hidden camera footage. Dropped off the day before, the guy wears this hidden camera in his shirt pocket to record audio as well as video of him putting the ring on her finger. We then edit the audio and video footage together so that you can see the full proposal unfold.

We also offer full consultancy for our clients on customized packages, planning the day, suggestions on location, venue, and bad weather alternatives, as well as an additional posed engagement photography session that can be shot later on. In addition, we work with Brilliant Event Planning, a proposal planning service in NYC that can help guys with ideas or suggestions. We’ve also teamed up with Tea and Sympathy in NY, which can provide a traditional English picnic at your location.

How did you come up with the business idea for “Pap The Question”?

I came up with the idea after I got engaged two years ago and friends asked if we had any pictures of the day. We didn’t, but it planted a seed in my mind. After checking into engagement photography in NYC, I identified a gap in the market in this area. With my experience as a paparazzi photographer, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to offer this service to guys to really take their proposals to the next level.

How do you plan the process with grooms?

We map out the day with the groom so that he knows exactly where he should be, and to determine the best position for us to capture the action. If possible, we like to visit the location prior to the proposal day to get familiar with the area. On the day of, we position ourselves, take some preliminary shots of the couple together, capture the engagement and reaction, as well as get some after shots.

Will the bride-to-be notice that you’re there?

We make sure to stay as far away and hidden as possible, but it depends on the location. We did an engagement recently on Brooklyn Bridge and had to be fairly close to the couple because there were so many people, but with locations like that there are usually hundreds of tourists with cameras anyway, so we can blend in. In Central Park, we can stay 300 to 400 feet away, so you won’t see us.

How soon will the groom receive the photos or video of the proposal?

After we’ve completed the shoot, we’ll edit and send the photos that day. If the client chooses to use the hidden camera option, we have to wait to get it back, but typically edit the video the next day. The pictures are then posted online as quickly as possible, so that the happy couple can share it with friends and family or on Facebook.

What’s the best proposal or reaction you’ve captured to date?

I think the best engagement so far was Matt and Vicky’s. He said some really cool things and the video and photos looked really fantastic. Her reaction was also great. Matt ended up telling her about us being there, which made her laugh, so we did some set up shots afterward. Every engagement is different in its own unique way, which is what makes it so much fun to photograph.

What if things go awry or, God forbid, she says “no”?

If it’s very crowded and we need to be closer so we don’t miss the shot, there’s an increased risk of being spotted. But that hasn’t happened to date, and we plan to keep it that way. If things do go awry and she says no, we offer 75% of the money back and a beer if they want it!

Have you considered hiring a photographer to capture the memories from your marriage proposal? Drop us a message in the comments section below telling us what type of shots you would want and how you would keep the whole thing a secret from the future Mrs.

Even if you’re not a fan of the Philadelphia Phillies, you can’t deny that shortstop Jimmy Rollins is one of the more likable guys in the league… ok, maybe that doesn’t go for Mets and Braves fans. Anyways, Rollins married longtime girlfriend Johari Smith on January 23rd in the Cayman Islands. Shockingly, their wedding photos have been made public. You can view them here and here.

At OneWed we feature a lot of engagement photo shoots. Some are romantic and schmoopy, others clever and irreverent. They can also be a great way for you to get to know the photographer before your wedding day. If you’re planning on making Save the Date cards, or putting an announcement in the local newspaper, then having professional photos can make these things easier.

On the other hand, if you’re on a tight budget, taking engagement photos may cause you to skimp on wedding day photos. If you’re not particularly comfortable in front of a camera, having an engagement shoot can either make you more comfortable, or create more stress. Whatever you and your fiancée decide about engagement shoots, make sure it’s a decision you like, not one that others talk you into.

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In addition to serving as OneWed’s VP of Marketing, Jennifer Napier is a guest contributor to the GroomsAdvice blog offering a little local flavor for the grooms. You can connect with Jennifer on Google+ and Twitter.